Health Canada recently issued a warning about a product sold online as a dietary supplement that has been linked to at least three adverse side effects.

The regulatory agency said the product sold online as MMS (Miracle Mineral Solution) is not approved for oral ingestion in Canada. The main ingredient is sodium chlorite, an agent only approved in Canada to be used by veterinarians or as a disinfectant.

Among the reports Health Canada has received are people suffering kidney failure, damaged red blood cells, and poisoning. At least one report of an adverse reaction to MMS was deemed life-threatening. More common side effects of ingesting MMS include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Health Canada has asked the Web site which markets MMS (themmsstore.com) in Canada, to cease marketing the product. According to a report from The Canadian Press, that Web site has posted a message indicating its “account has been suspended.” The report does not indicate whether the site is online in other countries.

A spokesman with the company marketing MMS told the news source he stands behinds the validity of the product but did acknowledge that it’s used as a disinfectant in other parts of the world. Only identifying himself as “Stan” to the media, he claims to have 30 years in the “chemical water treatment” business. He also did acknowledge that ingesting too much of the agent sodium chlorite could lead to some minor side effects like stomach pain and nausea.

MMS has been available in Canada for four years. In that time, he said the company has never received a report of any life-threatening side effects. The supplement is touted as having the ability to cleanse the body of toxins.